Kolkata Class Guided Missile Destroyers, India

Key Data

TypeGuided missile destroyers

BuilderMazagon Dock Limited (MDL)

OperatorIndian Navy

Service Entry2014

Length163m

Beam17.4m

Anti-Ship Missiles16 x BrahMos

The Kolkata-class guided missile destroyers are the new stealth destroyers being built by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) for the Indian Navy, under Project 15A. The service entry of the first ship is expected in 2012. The destroyers are preceded by Type 15 Delhi-class destroyers and succeeded by the Project 15B destroyers.

"The Kolkata-class guided missile destroyers are the new stealth destroyers being built by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL)."

The Indian Government approved the construction of three Kolkata-class destroyers in May 2000. First steel was cut for the lead ship in class, INS Kolkata, in March 2003. Her keel was laid in September 2003.

The ship was launched in March 2006 at Mazagon Dock, Mumbai, and delivered to the Indian Navy in July 2014. The vessel was commissioned in August 2014. The Indian Navy successfully test-fired BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from the INS Kolkata destroyer using the UVLM launcher in February 2015.

The keel of INS Kochi was laid in October 2005. It was launched in September 2009 and is scheduled to be commissioned in 2015.

The last vessel in the class, INS Chennai, was laid in February 2006. It was launched in April 2010 and is due for commissioning in 2016. The project has been delayed due to complex warship building process.

In January 2011, the MDL was awarded a follow on order for the construction of four P-15B destroyers. The P-15B ship will retain the hull form of Kolkata-class and will feature a stealthier flush deck and advanced weapon systems.

Design and features of the Kolkata-class

Conceptualised by the Indian Navy, the detailed design phase for the class was completed by MDL. Kolkata-class is a follow-on model of the Delhi-class and is fitted with modern weapons and sensor systems. The propulsion system of Delhi-class was also retained with minor upgrades. Most of the systems integrated in the ships are designed and built in India.

The destroyers are also equipped with action information system and atmospheric control system. The modern stealth destroyers will demonstrate superior anti-surface warfare (ASuW) capabilities. The vessel has an overall length of 163m, a beam of 17.4m and a draft of 6.5m. The full load displacement of the ship is 6,800t.

Kolkata-class missile systems

There are two vertical launching systems (VLS) for Barak SAM (surface-to-air missile).

BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile developed by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India-based Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia-based NPO Mashinostroyenia (NPOM).

BrahMos missile has a top speed of Mach 2.5 to Mach 2.8 and a maximum range of 290km.

Naval gun systems onboard the Indian destroyers

The main gun fitted forward is a 130mm gun. Four AK-630 close-in weapon systems (CIWS) are being provided for close-in air defence. The AK-630 CIWS can defend the ship from incoming anti-ship missiles and other guided weapons. It has a rate of fire of 5,000 rounds a minute.

Anti-submarine warfare

The anti-submarine warfare is provided by twin-tube torpedo launchers and RBU-6000 smerch-2 ASW rocket launchers. The rockets can be launched against submarines within a range of 6km.

Kolkata-class propulsion, power and speed

The two KVM diesel motors are provided by Bergen and Garden Reach. Four Wartsila WCM-1000 generators and Kirloskar AC generators supply onboard electricity. The propulsion system provides a maximum speed of more than 30kt.